Receptacle retaining device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a receptacle retaining device. The device includes a support post. A pair of arms extends outwardly from the support post. Magnets are disposed on the distal ends of the arms for releasably engaging a metal plate in an associated receptacle. The arms may be adjustable with respect to the support post for accommodating receptacles of varying heights.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/568,745 filed May 6, 2004. The disclosure of the above application isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a receptacle retaining device. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a device that can retaintrash or recyclable containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Curbside trash in recyclable pickup is very common. Typically,homeowners take trashcans and recyclable containers and place them atthe curb for pickup. Frequently, trashcans are overturned by forces suchas wind or animals. Trashcans can be forced into the roadway or ditchesresulting in traffic hazards on the roadway or the accumulation oflitter in surrounding areas. Additionally, once the trash receptacle orrecyclable receptacle has been emptied, it continues to pose a threat ifleft free-standing on the curbside as it may be blown or fall into theroadway under certain conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda receptacle retainer. The retainer includes a main support and aretaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism is adapted for engaging andreleasably retaining a receptacle.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a receptacle retaining device comprising a support post. An armextends outwardly from said support post. The device further comprises areceptacle. One of the arm and the receptacle include a magnet thereon.The other of the arm and the receptacle includes a metal component. Themagnet is adapted to engage said metal component, such that thereceptacle is releasably retained on the arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood when consideredin connection with the detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 6 is a partial cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 shows a receptacle retainer generally indicated at 10. Thereceptacle retainer includes a support post 12 and a retaining mechanismgenerally indicated at 14. The retaining mechanism 14 is preferablycarried on at least one arm 16 extending from the support post 12.

The receptacle retainer 10 is particularly useful for holdingreceptacles such as trashcans and recyclable containers upright at thecurbside. Typically, as homeowners generally place their trash near themailbox, it is desirable to attach the receptacle retainer 10 with amailbox support. It will be appreciated that the receptacle retainer 10may be placed at any location where receptacles are stored. For example,a receptacle retainer 10 may be placed near the user's house, orwherever the user stores his trashcans.

As shown in FIG. 1, a mailbox is generally indicated at 18. The mailbox18 is supported by a mailbox support 20. The mailbox support 20 istypically anchored in the ground near the curbside or roadside. Themailbox support 20 may comprise any suitable support. For example, onesuch support is a wooden post, such as a 4×4 post.

As seen in FIG. 1, the support post 12 of the receptacle retainer 10includes a pair of transversely extending arms 16. The arms 16 extend toa distal end. The support post 12 and arms 16 are preferably integrallyformed of molded plastic. While it is preferred that a pair of arms 16are provided, it will be appreciated that any number of arms 16 may beused.

The retaining mechanism 14 preferably is secured to the distal end ofeach arm 16. In the preferred embodiment, the retaining mechanism 14comprises magnets 22. At least one magnet 22 is secured to the distalend of the arm 16 in any suitable manner. For example, the magnets 22may be secured with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or molded intoplace. Further, the magnets may be coated or over molded with plastic toprotect the magnets from the elements.

In the preferred embodiment, the support post 12 of the receptacleretainer 10 is affixed to the mailbox support 20. Specifically, thesupport post 12 is screwed or bolted to mailbox support 20 throughopenings 24 in the support post 12. With the connection made in thismanner, the support post 12 is generally parallel with the mailboxsupport 20 and the arms 16 extend outwardly from the support post 12 insuch a manner as to allow the magnets 22 to releasably engage areceptacle. More specifically, the magnets 22 are intended to engagecooperating metal plates in a receptacle such as a trashcan orrecyclable container as will be described below.

FIG. 2 shows a front plan view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention. In the alternate embodiment of FIG. 2, the arms 16′ extendforwardly and outwardly of the support post 12. Otherwise, the FIG. 2embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1. The FIG. 2 embodiment is tofit into a standard mailbox support 20 of the type currently offered byRUBBERMAID™. The common RUBBERMAID™ type mailbox 18 and support 20 areintegrally molded. The present receptacle retainer 10 is particularlywell adapted to be secured to these types of mailbox supports 20.Specifically, and as best seen in FIG. 2, the RUBBERMAID™ type mailboxsupport 20 typically includes a channel 26 in the front thereof. Thesupport post 12 of the present invention can be sized to fit within thechannel 26 and affixed therein through openings 24 in the support post12. Once secured to the mailbox support 20 within the channel 26, thearms 16′ extend transversely outwardly, preferably on each side of thesupport post 12. Again, the magnets 22 are fixed on the distal ends ofeach arm 16.

FIG. 2 also shows a receptacle 28. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, thereceptacle 28 is a trashcan. As shown, the trashcan 28 is plastic andhas square sides. Preferably, the lid is hingedly secured to thetrashcan 28. This type of trashcan further reduces the risk of roadsideinterference because the lid remains secured to the trashcan 28. Thepresent invention, however, can be used with any suitable trashcan 28.The trashcan 28 includes at least one metal plate 30 on the sidethereof. It is most preferred that the trashcan 28 includes metal plateson at least two sides so that they may be used on either arm 16 or invarious orientations on the receptacle retainer 10. Additionally, one ofthe metal plates 30 on the trashcan 28 may be replaced with anothermagnet so that a series of trashcans 28 similarly configured can bejoined together and maintained in an upright position by the receptacleretainer 10.

It is preferred that the metal plates be coated such as with aweatherproof metallic coating, for example, zinc, or plastic coated toreduce weathering. The magnets 22 should be sized so that they cooperatewith the metal plate 30 in the trashcan 28 to maintain the trashcan inan upright position, but yet the trashcan can be removed withoutexerting undue force. Magnets 22 rated at or about 200 lbs of pull havebeen found effective. It will be appreciated, however, that any suitablemagnet may be used within the scope of the present invention.

The size of the metal plates 30 is preferably large enough to allow avariety of attachment points with the magnet 22. This allows thetrashcan to be used in a variety of terrains.

In order to retain a receptacle or trashcan 28 in the upright position,the trashcan 28 is placed with its metal plate 30 adjacent the magnet 22until the magnet 22 engages the receptacle 28. This allows the magnet 22to engage the metal plate 30 and retain the trashcan in the uprightposition. In this manner, the receptacle 28 is releasably secured to themagnet 22.

With the connection made in this manner, the trashcan is resistant tobeing blown over by the elements, or wind created by passing vehicle,and is further resistant to tipping due to forces applied by animals.Further, this connection is particularly useful to help maintain thereceptacle 28 upright on uneven terrain. Additionally, the trashcan 28is easily removed or released from the receptacle retainer 10 by thetrash collector and can easily be replaced when done, leaving a neatappearance, and further helping reduce potential hazardous situationswith trashcans blowing or otherwise falling into the roadway.

FIG. 3 shows another alternate embodiment of the present invention. Inthe FIG. 3 embodiment, the arms 16″ project transversely outwardly andrearwardly from the support post 12. Otherwise, the FIG. 3 embodiment isthe same as that of FIG. 2. This embodiment allows the receptacle 28 tobe retained behind the mailbox which provides the least potential forinterference with mail delivery

While the support post 12 is shown attached to a mailbox support 20, itwill be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, the support post 12may either be secured directly with the ground and comprise its ownfreestanding unit. Alternatively, a support post that is not a mailboxsupport post may be secured to the ground and the support post 12 of thereceptacle retainer 10 can be secured with that post. Such a post couldbe a 4″×4″ piece of lumber, for example.

The present invention preferably is made in such a manner that it ismatching and fitting with the mailbox support 20. In this way, itbecomes very unobtrusive at the roadside, yet provides the ability tokeep receptacles 28 upright on uneven surfaces and in bad weatherconditions. Preferably the receptacle retainer 10 does not interferewith mail delivery or road maintenance.

While the retaining mechanism 14 is shown to be magnets 22, it will beappreciated that the retaining mechanism 14 may comprise a mechanicallatch or other suitable retaining mechanism that interfaces with thereceptacle 28 to releasably hold the receptacle 28 in an uprightposition.

Further, while the magnets 22 are shown on the arm 16, 16′, 16″, and themetal plate 30 secured to the receptacle 28, it will be appreciated thatthe components may be reversed and the metal plates may be secured tothe arm 16, 16′, 16″ and the magnets 22 secured to the receptacle 28.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the presentinvention. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, the support post 12 is adapted tobe secured on one side of the mailbox support 20. Arms 16′″ extendoutwardly and forwardly of the support post 12. Magnets 22 are retainedon the distal end of the arms 16. A metal retaining plate 32 is affixedon the opposite side of the mailbox support 20 from the support post 12.More specifically, the metal retaining plate 32 is secured by suitablefasteners such as, bolts or screws through the mailbox support 20 andthe support 12 on the opposite side. A second receptacle such as arecyclable container 34 includes at least one magnet 36 in the sidewallthereof. The magnet 36 is for engaging the metal retaining plate 32 andholding the receptacle 34 in an upright position. The receptacle 34 cancomprise for example a recycling container. In this manner, trashcanscan be held on the sides of the mailbox support 20 while the recyclingcontainer may also be retained in an upright position in the front ofthe mailbox support 20.

While the FIG. 4 embodiment shows the support post 12 on one side of themailbox support 20 and the retaining plate 32 on the opposite side, itwill be appreciated that the mailbox support 20 and retaining plate 32may be place on the same side of the mailbox support 20 and may beconnected or formed as an integral unit. Further, it will be appreciatedthat the orientation of the magnets 36 and metal plate 32 may bereversed.

The receptacle retainer 10 preferably comprises a separate unit that canbe affixed with the mailbox support 20. However, it will be appreciatedthat the receptacle retainer 10 may be an integral part of the mailboxsupport 20. For example, the arms 16, 16′, 16″ can be integrally moldedwith the mailbox support 20.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the arms 116 are adjustable. The arms may be adjustable withrespect to the support post for accommodating receptacles of varyingheights. More specifically, the support post 112 may include a trackgenerally indicated at 140. The track receives arms 116 which extendoutwardly from the support post 112. As can best be seen in FIG. 6, thearms 116 include a guideway 142 for receiving a portion 144 of the track140. The inner portion of the arms 116 engages the track 112 and ismoveable with respect thereto. The arms 116 can be positioned withrespect to the track 116 and then can be secured in any suitable manner.As shown, a bolt 146 extends through the arms 116 to secure them in thedesired location. Each arm 126 includes a magnet 122 on the end thereof.The magnet 122 is for engaging a metal plate (not shown) on areceptacle.

As shown in FIG. 5, the arms 116 extend outwardly from either side ofthe support post 112. Further, the arms 116 may be place at the same ordifferent heights. Additionally, any number of arms 116 can be placed onthe track 112.

It will be appreciated that the arms may take any configuration. Also,the arms may simply comprise the magnets on the support post.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A receptacle retaining device comprising a support post and aretaining mechanism, said retaining mechanism adapted for engaging andreleasably retaining a receptacle.
 2. A receptacle retaining device asset forth in claim 1 wherein said retaining mechanism comprises amagnet.
 3. A receptacle retaining device as set forth in claim 2 whereinsaid magnet is positioned on an arm extending outwardly from saidsupport post.
 4. A receptacle retaining device as set forth in claim 3further comprising a pair of arms extending outwardly from said supportpost, said arms each supporting a magnet.
 5. A receptacle retainingdevice as set forth in claim 1 wherein said retaining mechanism isadjustable with respect to said support post.
 6. A receptacle retainingdevice as set forth in claim 5 wherein said retaining mechanismcomprises a magnet.
 7. A receptacle retaining device as set forth inclaim 6 wherein said magnet is positioned on an arm, said arm beingadjustable with respect to said support post.
 8. A receptacle retainingdevice as set forth in claim 7 wherein said arm includes a guideway, andsaid support post including a portion adapted for engaging saidguideway.
 9. A receptacle retaining device as set forth in claim 8further comprising a bolt for securing said arm to said support post.10. A receptacle retaining device as set forth in claim 8 furthercomprising a pair of said arms, each of said arms including saidguideway for engaging at least a portion of said support post.
 11. Areceptacle retaining device as set forth in claim 11 further comprisinga receptacle, said receptacle including a metal plate for releasablyengaging said magnet.
 12. A receptacle retaining device as set forth inclaim 4 further comprising a receptacle, said receptacle including ametal plate for releasably engaging said magnet.
 13. A receptacleretaining device comprising: a support post; an arm extending outwardlyfrom said support post; and a receptacle, one of said arm and saidreceptacle including a magnet thereon and the other of said arm and saidreceptacle including a metal component, said magnet adapted to engagesaid metal component, such that said receptacle is releasably retainedon said arm.
 14. A receptacle retaining device as set forth in claim 13wherein said arm is adjustable with respect to said support post.
 15. Areceptacle retaining device as set forth in claim 14 wherein said armincludes a guideway, and said support post including a portion adaptedfor engaging said guideway.
 16. A receptacle retaining device as setforth in claim 15 further comprising a bolt for securing said arm tosaid support post.
 17. A receptacle retaining device as set forth inclaim 16 further comprising a pair of said arms, each of said armsincluding said guideway for engaging at least a portion of said supportpost.